Auer rod-like intracytoplasmic inclusions in multiple myeloma. A case report and review of the literature

Int J Lab Hematol. 2009 Apr;31(2):236-40. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-553X.2007.01023.x. Epub 2008 Jan 7.

Abstract

Several intracytoplasmic morphological changes in the plasma cells of multiple myeloma have been described previously. However, Auer rod-like inclusions are rarely found in these types of cells. Here, we report a case of multiple myeloma with Auer rod-like, needle-shaped intracytoplasmic inclusions in plasma cells. A review of all published cases revealed that this phenomenon is exclusively found in myeloma with kappa-type paraprotein. The nature of these intracellular inclusions and the relationship to prognostic implications and concomitant illnesses are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / therapeutic use
  • Bone Marrow Cells / pathology*
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Inclusion Bodies / pathology*
  • Male
  • Melphalan / therapeutic use
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology*
  • Plasma Cells / pathology*
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Prednisolone
  • Melphalan